Late on the evening of Friday, May 21, 2021, the Garden of Hope in Tulsa was vandalized. Rocks were taken from below the cross on the site, and were thrown at the protective encasement of the statue, Mary, Help of Christians. This generously donated statue was dediated on the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in 2019, and stands to welcome all who visit the garden.
The statue depicting Mary holding the Christ child, sustained damage to the faces and bodies of both Mary and Jesus, as well as their crowns. The vandalism was caught on security cameras and the Diocese is taking all legal measures necessary. It is unknown if the statue can be adequately repaired.
The Garden of Hope remains a constant source of hope and healing, a place for prayer and for grace. It is a place of comfort and peace where everyone is welcome.